What Happened This Year 1672

Historical Events from This Year 1672

Religion & Philosophy

Charles II Grants Limited Religious Freedom

March 15th, 1672 353 years ago

King Charles II of England issued the Royal Declaration of Indulgence in March 1672, which aimed to provide limited religious freedom to all Christians. This declaration was part of Charles's broader strategy to appease dissenting religious groups such as Catholics and Nonconformists during a period marked by religious tensions. It allowed these groups to worship freely, which was a significant shift from the previous repressive policies. However, the declaration faced opposition and was later revoked, leading to continued struggles for religious tolerance in England.

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Politics & Government

Lynching of Johan and Cornelis de Witt

August 20th, 1672 352 years ago

Johan de Witt, the Grand Pensionary of Holland, and his brother Cornelis were brutally lynched by a mob in The Hague. This violent mob action was fueled by widespread public discontent and suspicion, particularly amid a tumultuous period when the Dutch Republic faced military threats during the Franco-Dutch War. Their murder was a culmination of political strife, as both brothers were scapegoated for the Republic's misfortunes. The mob attacked the de Witts, ultimately killing them and displaying their bodies in a gruesome act of vengeance.

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